Suva City Council special administrator the late Chandu Umaria’s salary almost doubled within one year of his appointment in 2009 from $45,000 to $80,000.
Local Government Minister Maciu Katamotu Nalumisa said this in response to a written question that was filed by Assistant Home Affairs Minister Ratu Rakuita Vakalalabure in Parliament this week.
Ratu Rakuita had asked the minister to outline the annual pay of councillors, special administrators and senior executives of municipal councils.
Mr Nalumisa said when Umaria was appointed in 2009, he was on a salary of $45,000 until 2010. From 2011 to 2019, his salary was increased to $80,000. He also received entitlements for housing, vehicle, telephone, cell phone and entertainment.
Mr Nalumisa said the present Suva special administrator chair was on a salary of $30,000 while members were getting $23,000.
They were also allowed to claim mileage, meal, accommodation and travel costs for meetings outside of council. He said Nasinu special administrator Mosese Kama, who also acted as the CEO, received $60,000 annually from 2010-2019.
He said the Nadi Town special administrator was on a salary of $59,554 between 2014-2019 while the present chairman received $30,000 and members were on $23,000.
The Nausori special administrator was on a salary of $45,000 between 2009 and 2014 and the present chair receives $30,000 and members were paid $23,000.
The minister said the Lautoka special administrator received $25,000 per annum between 2010-2014 while the present Lautoka special administrator chairman Anil Amin was on a salary of $30,000 and could also claim mileage, meal, accommodation and travel costs for meetings outside the council.
Other special administrator members received $23,000.
He said the Savusavu special administrator received a salary of $45,000 between 2009-2019 while the present special administrator was on $25,000 and members received $18,000.
Mr Nalumisa said between 2009-2013, the Tavua special administrator received $13,000 while the present chairman was on $20,000 and members received $12,000.
The Rakiraki special administrator was on a salary of $30,000 between 2010-2012 which went up to $40,000 between 2013-2014.
The present chairman receives $20,000 while the members were paid $12,000.
The Levuka special administrator was paid $50,000 per annum between 2009-2011 while the present chairman was on $10,000 while members received $8000.
